Microsoft Access is a database management platform. It offers an array of tools that were designed to help users design their own database applications, such as reports, data input forms, and tables. This system offers a graphical user interface as well as software development tools, which are part of a relational Access Database Engine. This app is included as part of the Microsoft 365 suite Professional edition, as well as higher editions, and can also be purchased separately.

Similar to Microsoft Excel, Access allows users to store, view, and manipulate data. However, Access is considered to be a more powerful platform than Excel because it can handle significantly more data at once. When working with Access, users can store huge data quantities and can do so in a form that makes retrieval easy. Unlike in Excel, where users make entries directly into spreadsheets, pre-made queries and forms are used in Access to make changes to databases. 

One of the main benefits of working with Access is that many businesses choose to connect it to other applications. This means that once data is generated in other apps, it is automatically transferred to Access.

The following are some of the main Access features and tools:

  • Forms. With the help of forms, Database Developers can create forms in which information can be entered into a database without the need for a spreadsheet. This is a helpful practice, as it reduces the likelihood of error that otherwise could occur when entering data in a table.
  • Tables. When working with Access, data is stored in the form of tables. It’s possible to create a flat database, which is one database that displays all of a project’s data.
    • Relational databases. Instead of creating one flat database table that includes all data for a project, some users instead wish to create relational databases. These contain various tables, each of which has data components that are important to track during a project. One example of a relational database is a business that wishes to create distinct tables for shipping information, orders, and clients. Because each of these databases is related to the others, they are called relational. It’s possible for developers to design an array of these relatively simple databases and relate them to the others.
  • Reports. In Access, custom reports can be made quickly and easily thanks to Report Wizard. This tool allows users to organize, group, and label data so that it can be shared or printed.
  • Queries. Users can perform sophisticated queries to search for information within a database. Since databases often comprise thousands of entries, querying is a valuable time-saving tool when working with Access.

These Access components can be used individually or in concert to help organizations structure and find meaning in the huge quantities of data they store.

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Benefits of Working with Access

Microsoft Access users cite many benefits to using this platform for their database management and reporting needs. The following are just a few of the perks of using Access:

  • It’s simple to install and use. Microsoft Access takes just minutes to install, and once installed, provides users with a completely functional database. Because there is no need to know complex programming when working with Access, even those who do not come from a coding background can use this platform to collect information. In addition, the drag-and-drop components allow users to easily create reports and forms without any coding knowledge.
  • It provides a lot of storage. Users can store several gigabytes of data in Access.
  • Access is easy to integrate. It’s possible to integrate almost anything that is Windows-based into Access, such as Oracle. In addition, data can be easily stored in the SQL Server and Microsoft Azure SQL, which leads to more reliable, scalable, and secure data.
  • It’s easy to import data into Access. Users who wish to import all their data into Access can do so in just minutes. In addition, this app offers a helpful backup protocol for data management capabilities.
  • Access has an impressive graphical interface. Access users like the look of this app, as well as how easy it is to navigate.
  • Apps can be customized. When working with Access, users can create their own custom apps, and edit them easily as the needs of an organization change. The platform’s Visual Basic for Applications provides an easy way to automate business processes and design more helpful reports and forms.

Professional Uses of Access

Microsoft Access has many professional applications across industries in which large datasets must be managed and accessed. Database Developers commonly work with Microsoft Access to create databases for use by those at a business or organization to create their own forms, queries, reports, and tables.

In the business sector, many people work with databases. Microsoft Access helps business owners to create customized databases that are relevant to their professional needs. These databases are helpful for managing employee data, such as salaries, schedules, and attendance. In addition, they can be used to keep track of products and inventory. Access is also a helpful business tool for creating financial reports that reflect growth and plan for the future.

In addition, Access has several applications in the educational sector, since data from many school-related activities are stored in databases. Educators rely on Access to create schedules for teachers, manage attendance records, keep track of library books, and schedule lessons. 

Regardless of the professional focus, Microsoft Access provides a variety of essential tools that help those working with data do so efficiently and effectively.

Start Learning Microsoft Office & Access with Hands-On Classes

Proficiency in Microsoft Office can open professional doors across industries, as well as lead to upward career mobility. A great way to begin learning about Microsoft Office is to sign up for one of Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office courses. These small group classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online format. 

For students and professionals on the go, there are also in-person and live online Microsoft Access courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from seven hours to two days and costing between $229 and $670.

If you want to learn more about which of these courses you can take nearby, Noble’s Microsoft Access Classes Near Me Tool is designed to help prospective students explore all available Access courses. Currently, there are over 50 class listings available, running between three hours and five days in duration.